Como Stun Manchester United 4-1 as Cesc Fàbregas's Project Reaches New Heights

From Serie D to the big stage

With traditional Serie A giants Juventus and Milan in the Europa League, Como are enjoying their first season in the Champions League. If Manchester United were dreadful on Wednesday, Como's rise hit its highest point yet in a 4-1 rout.

The club's success carries echoes of Brighton and Bournemouth's ascents, although Como's is even more remarkable. They were a Serie D club in 2008, and the city is now known for something beyond its glorious scenery.

The brains behind the rise

Champions League winner Thierry Henry is among the investors in the club, as is Como's coach, Cesc Fàbregas, although the prime financiers are the Indonesian billionaire Hartono brothers. Jamestown Analytics, the Brighton owner Tony Bloom's company, has been consulting Como.

Fàbregas played under Arsène Wenger, Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho and Antonio Conte, and he has forged a high-pressing style against Italian orthodoxy. As United laboured, they were swarmed by Como's worker bees.

Nico Paz delivers, and United's pain deepens

Real Madrid have a buy-back option for Nico Paz, bought by Como in 2024, and he scored two fine goals against United. Argentina's latest Messi replacement is rather beefier than his country's idol.

As Como deepened Michael Carrick's plight, thoughts moved to potential replacements. Fàbregas has been mentioned, though United fans will recall the summer of 2013's unsuccessful chase for him. Had a deal been done, his midfield partner would have been … Carrick.